15 Dec 2021

Rebuild process underway for school torched during Sols unrest

From , 6:00 am on 15 December 2021

The Solomon Islands ministry of education is conducting damage assessments of a prominent high school in the capital which was targeted by arsonists during last month's political unrest.

Several classrooms and the administration block of the Honiara High School were torched causing irreparable damage.

The permanent secretary of the ministry of education Franco Rodie condemned the senseless actions of the individuals involved saying his office is prioritising the rebuilding of the school with the aim of having the majority of the work completed before the start of the 2022 academic year.

Mr Rodie says after consultation with the heads of various schools and taking into consideration parents concerns for the safety of their children the ministry has closed all schools in the capital early.

I spoke with Dr Rodie shortly after the unrest and started by asking him how this has impacted on end of year assessments.

Solomon Islands police deployed following violence in Honiara

Solomon Islands police deployed following violence in Honiara Photo: Lisa Osifelo